Dan Brown: The Lost SymbolHis newest novel is full of spiritual truths, historical facts, and information about our nation's forefathers, many of whom were members of the Masons. An exciting story even if there are some gaps in logic that left me shaking my head. He's not the best writer, but he does a lot of research into his subject matter.

Patricia Panahi: God Outside the Box: A Story of Breaking FreeI enjoyed Patricia's book and related to her spiritual quest and exploration of many different paths, religions and beliefs. The daughter of a Muslim father and Catholic mother, Patricia grew up in Iran and later came to the United States, where she began her quest to find God "outside the box". From rebirthing to shamanism,Hinduism to metaphysics, I felt like I was reliving my own spiritual journey. Patricia explores many concepts and ideas in her book, such as synchronicity, reincarnation, and sacred contracts. I was never bored. In fact, I didn't want the book to end. I'm now looking forward to her next book

Deepak Chopra: The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot IgnoreThe Jesus that Chopra presents to us is a teacher of God consciousness and a walking example of one who lived in this state of consciousness. I most resonate with this Jesus and even those who do not see themselves as Christians will be inspired and fed by the teachings of Jesus as they are presented by Chopra.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat Pray LoveA delightful memoir about Gilbert's one-year sabbatical following her divorce. She seeks to find pleasure again in Italy, to find God in an ashram in India, and balance in Indonesia learning from an old medicine man. A spiritual journey (and, in the end, a love story) that is fun, humorous and wonderfully told.

Byron Katie: Loving What IsThis book gives you the key to unlocking the door that can lead to a life of inner peace and joy. If everyone in the world would read this book there would be no more war.

Charles Fillmore: Metaphysical Bible DictionaryBased on the teachings of Jesus Christ, this book provides the esoteric meanings of words, names and places. A valuable resource for all Bible students who want to delve into metaphysical interpretation of scripture.

Mothere Teresa would be 100 years old if she was alive today. Her words are alive though, and they continue to inspire us. Watch this video and be reminded of what is really important in life. What can you do today to show love and kindness to another human being?

All of us have challenges that arise in our lives. It can be difficult in the midst of these challenges to see anything good coming from these events. It is a test of our faith and our ability to see things from a spiritual perspective and not from our ego, fear-based perspective. Here is a story that a friend sent to me:

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabitedisland. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned thehorizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood toprotect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. Oneday, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut inflames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened,and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. Hecried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching theisland! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked theweary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are goingbad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, evenin the midst of our pain and suffering.

I have selected photographs that make me smile and brighten my day. I hope they will do that for you as well. Click on the photos to see an enlarged view. I invite you to visit often and see what I add to my collection.